Visible Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Figure 1. The electromagnetic spectrum.Copyright National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/images/content/114284main_EM_Spectrum500.jpg
During this lesson, the electromagnetic spectrum is explained and students learn that visible light makes up only a portion of this wide spectrum. Students also learn that engineers use electromagnetic waves for many different applications.
Engineers use many types of electromagnetic waves. Gamma radiation is emitted by fuel rods in nuclear power plants, x-rays are used to see inside our bodies, ultraviolet light can be used to sanitize things, microwaves are used to cook, and radio waves allow us to communicate over large distances.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain that light can be considered an electromagnetic wave.
- Give two examples of how engineers use electromagnetic waves.
- Explain that we can only see a small portion of all electromagnetic waves.